Abbott Wants CAIR’s Non-Profit Status Pulled

January 28, 2026 – TEXAS — Governor Greg Abbott on Wednesday called on Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton to pursue legal action that could strip an Islamic civil rights organization of its nonprofit status, escalating an ongoing political and legal dispute over the group’s activities and affiliations.

The Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR) is the largest Muslim civil rights and advocacy organization in the United States

In a public statement, Abbott urged Paxton and his office to examine whether the organization—identified by the governor as the Council on American-Islamic Relations—has violated state or federal law governing tax-exempt nonprofits. Abbott argued that organizations benefiting from nonprofit status must strictly comply with legal requirements and should not receive taxpayer-subsidized benefits if they are found to be operating outside those bounds.

“The State of Texas has zero tolerance for organizations that misuse nonprofit status or operate contrary to the law,” Abbott said, calling on the attorney general to “take every legal step necessary” if violations are confirmed.

Paxton’s office acknowledged the request and said it would review the matter consistent with its statutory authority. The attorney general has previously emphasized that nonprofit organizations in Texas are subject to oversight and enforcement when credible allegations of wrongdoing arise, though he has also noted that any action must be supported by evidence and due process.

The organization at the center of the dispute has rejected the governor’s claims, describing the call as politically motivated and an attack on constitutionally protected speech and advocacy. Representatives said the group operates lawfully and provides civil rights services to Muslim Texans, adding that it will vigorously defend its nonprofit status.

Civil liberties advocates warned that efforts to revoke nonprofit status based on political disagreements could raise serious First Amendment concerns. Supporters of Abbott’s move, however, said the issue is one of accountability and transparency, not religion.

Any attempt to revoke nonprofit status would likely involve a lengthy legal process and could ultimately be decided in court. For now, Abbott’s request places renewed scrutiny on the organization and sets the stage for a high-profile legal and political fight in Texas.